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WHILE ON HIS WALK 



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IN FDXFILMEXT OF AN ELECTION WAGEB, 



PERFORMED IN TEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS. 



ALSO, 



SOME ACCOUiirT OF A WALK TAKEN BY HIM THROUGH 

•BALTIMORE IN DISGUISE AT THE COMMENCFl- 

MENT OF THE 






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Rebellion of 1861. 



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PRINTED FOR EDWARD PAYSON" WESTON. 

1862. 






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"THE PEDESTRIAN;" 

BEING A CORRECT JOURNAL OF " INCIDENTS " ON 



STATE HOUSE, BOSTOI^, MASS., 

TO THE 

U. S. CAPITOL, AT WASHINGTON, D. C, 

PERFORMED IN "TEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS," 
Betweeii February 33d. and ]Miirol\ <tth, 1B61, 

BY EDWARD PAYS0:N^ WESTOX. 

\> 

ALSO, AN ACCOUNT OF HIS ADVENTURES, "WHILE WALKING IN DISCUISE THROXTGH 

BALTIMORE, MD., AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE REBELLION OF 1861 ; 

TOGETHER WITH THE PLANS OF HIS 

INTENDED WA.LK IN MAY, 18C2, FROM "WASHINGTON TO BOSTON, 
IN EIG-HT CONSECUTIVE DAYS. 



NEW YOEK : 

PRINTED FOR EDWARD PAYSON WESTON. 

1862. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by 
EDWARD PATSON WESTON. 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States 
for the Southern District of New York. 



PREFACE. 



As I am daily asked the question, what possessed me to 
make such an attempt as to walk from Boston to "Washington 
in ten consecutive days — at a time, too, when the condition of 
the roads was such as to render the walking very difficult — I 
can think of no better way to answer this question, and others 
respecting this pedestrian performance, than by publishing 
this journal ; inasmuch as it is my intention to make the at- 
tempt again in May of the present year. I have also added 
to this, the account of my adventures, while " walking" from 
Philadelphia to Washington in disguise, a few days after the 
riot at Baltimore (19th of April, 1861), and my arrest by the 
Sixty-ninth regiment of New York State Militia, Colonel Mi- 
chael Corcoran. You will also find the particulars of my 
plans for the walk I contemplate taking in May next. 

Tlie journal of my walk of " ten days" is compiled from 
notes taken by my companions on that excursion, Mr. Charles 
II. Foster, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Mr. Abner A. 
Smith, of New Haven, Connecticut. 

Having agreed that, were I not successful the first time, I 
would attempt it again, I am only too willing to do so. I 
trust you will overlook the many imperfections you will find 
in these pages, believing that the author can walk better than 
he can lorite. 

E. P. W. 

New York, March Zlst, 1862. 



^ 



'k 



FROM BOSTON, MASS, TO WASHINGTON, D. C. 

(DISTANCE 4T8 MILES), 

PERFORMED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 22d AND MARCH 4th, 1S61. 



EXPLANATION. 

During the Presidential campaign of 18(J0, I made a wager 
with Mr. George B. Eddy, of "Worcester, Massachusetts, to 
this effect : that, if Abraham Lincoln were elected by the 
people, President of these United States, I wonld agree to 
walk from Boston State House to the Capitol at Washington, 
D. C. (a distance of four hundred and seventy-eight miles), in- 
side of ten consecutive days. I engaged also to be present at 
his inauguration. He (Mr. Eddy) agreeing to do the same 
thing, if Mr. Lincoln were not elected. It was simply a banter 
between ourselves while dining together one day, and I do not 
suppose that either of us at that time had the remotest idea of 
ever attempting such a task. For my own part, I was not 
aware, at the time, that I possessed any great lo(X)motive pow- 
ers ; and Mr. Eddy has frequently said to me, that, if he had 
been the unfortunate victim, he should " most decidedly have 
preferred to get excused.^'' 

I did not decide to attempt the feat until Christmas Day, 
18G0, when I told a friend (Mr. Foster) that, if he would accom- 
pany me by following behind in a carriage, I thought I would 
attempt it. Even then, I did not know how well I could walk. 
But on the first day of January, 1861, I made a trial of my 
abilities as a " pedestrian," by walking from Hartford to New 
Haven, Connecticut, a distance of thirty-six miles. I started 
from the City Hall, Hartford, at half-past seven, a. m., and left 



6 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

one hundred and fifty circulars, and did tliis by going to the 
doors of as many houses on the road ; and I likewise stopped 
one hour for dinner. I arrived at the Tontine Hotel, in New 
Haven, at ten minutes past six, p. m., having occupied ten 
hours and forty minutes in performing the journey. 

I did not feel the eflfects of the walk at all, and did not re- 
tire until eleven, p. m., intending to return to Hartford the 
following day. Plaving overslept, I did not leave the Tontine 
Hotel, on my return trip, until half-past nine, a. m. I then 
stopped at one hundred and twenty -five houses, and sold sev- 
eral copies of a literary work (for which I had left a circular 
the day previous, to explain the character of the book). I 
arrived at Hartford at nine, p. m., having occupied eleven 
hours and thirty minutes on my I'cturn trip. 

After this, I thought I could walk from Boston to Wash- 
ington without injury to myself. But, if I needed more con- 
vincing proof, I received it soon after. Leai-ning, while in 
New Haven, that a party had accomplished the same feat the 
previous siivimer^ I thought I coxild do hetter, even in winter. 
Accordingly, one evening at half-past five o'clock, in the latter 
part of January, 1861, I started from the post-oftice in New 
Haven, encumbered with a large package of eight-paged cir- 
culars. I left three hundred and fifty at as many houses be- 
tween the two cities, going four miles farther than the direct 
road, by passing through the village of Wallingfurd on my 
return to New Haven, making the whole distance seventy-six 
miles. I arrived at New Haven at five minutes past five, p. m., 
having walked the distance, including all stops, in twenty- 
three hours and thirty -five minutes. 

Some idea may be formed of the condition of the roads, 
from the fact that when I reached New Haven there were no 
soles to my boots. It did not affect me in the least; and, 
after partaking of a hearty supper, I retired at eight o'clock, 
p. M., and did not awake until eight o'clock the next morning. 
I felt as well as usual, and attended church during the day. 

I am frequently asked the question, " How fast can yon 
run ?" T am not good at running, and never exhibited any 



FROM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 7 

abilities in that way, except on one occasion. It was dnring 
my employ as an attache of the New Yokk IIekald office, 
in the month of February, 1859, and happened nnder the fol- 
lowing circumstances : 

One day, a box had been sent from Mr. Bennett's residence 
to the office, to be forwarded to Washington by the six o'clock 
train tlie same evening. By some mistake, the box found its 
way back into the wagon, and was returning to the same place 
it had left but a few hours previous. 

The wagon left the office at two, p. m., and I went about 
my business. About an hour had elapsed, when the gentle- 
man called who was to convey the box to Washington ; but 
the aforesaid box was nowhere to be found. It must have 
been placed in the wagon, and it had gone the wrong way — 
and I must plead " guilty," so all agreed. I thought I was in 
a "fix," and that I nnist vindicate myself in some way ; and 
could think of no better plan than to secure the box and send 
it to Washington that night. 

It was then three o'clock ; but, taking into consideration 
the crowded state of the streets, I took it for granted that the 
wagon in question could not have gone a great distance in an 
hour. I determined at once to overtake "that wagon," and 
bring back the "truant box," if I had to chase it to Fort 
Washington. 

Amid the jeers of some employees in the office (every one 
thinking it impossible for me to return in season to mend the 
matter), I started on a " run" from the corner of Fulton and 
Nassau streets, and did not stop until I reached the corner oi 
Seventieth street and Broadway, where I found the wagon and 
the hox. I was so much exhausted, that I could not stand for 
some moments ; but I soon rallied, and, with the box in my 
arms, ran back as far as Fifty-ninth street. I then got on 
board a car, and returned to the Herald office a few minutes 
past five o'clock. I had accomplished my undertaking, how- 
ever foolish. It was my first and last " foot-race." 

When I found out my abilities as a pedestrian, I bethought 
myself to devise some means to defray my expenses. For I 



8 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

knew that it would be useless for me to attempt to walk from 
Boston to Washington without companions, and that it was 
not at all probable I could find two gentlemen who would be 
willing to tocdk with me, and therefore I must furnish them 
with a conveyance. 

George K. Whiting, Esq., of Is'ew Haven, Conn., agreed to 
furnish a horse and carriage, and a man to accompany them 
the entire distance for the sum of $80. I was to pay all their 
expenses from the time they left Boston until twenty-four 
hours after my arrival at Washington. Presuming the team 
would accompany me the entire distance, I thought he would 
not make much out of the operation; but it seems he intended 
having the team sold at Washington. In February, I visited 
l^ew York, to find parties who would like to make use of my 
excursion as an advertising medium. I had but a few days to 
prepare, and by the kind assistance of C. C. Yeaton, Esq. 
(then connected as an employee in the Grover & Baker Sew- 
ing Machine Co.), I succeeded in securing several jiarties who 
furnished me with five thousand circulars each. 

The Grover & Baker Sewing Machine Co. was the first who 
became interested, and they requested me to sit for an ambro- 
type, from which an engraving was taken, which they caused 
to be printed on 5,000 copies of a little book, entitled " A 
Home Scene," describing the virtues of their sewing machines, 
and also on 100,000 cards designed for a similar purpose, for 
which they paid me the sum equivalent to $100. My com- 
panions distributed 50,000 of these cards on my route, and 
also a package containing the Grover & Baker Sewing Ma- 
chine Co.'s pamphlet, a circular furnished by Frederick V. 
Rushton, Esq., druggist, Astor House and 477 Broadway, a 
circular from Messrs. J. Gurney &; Son, photograph artists, 
707 Broadway, one from the Rubber Clothing Co., 201 Broad- 
way, and also Joseph Burnett's circular, of Boston. 5,000 sets 
of the foregoing circulars were enclosed in a wrapper, and one 
was left at each and every house I passed on the road between 
Boston and Washington, with the exception of those I passed 
on Sundays. About two thousand of these parcels, which 
were distributed between New Haven and New York, con- 



FROM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 9 

tained a pamphlet circular of Messrs. T. L. Kingsland & Son., 
clothing dealers, No. 82 State street, Xew Haven, Conn. 

The Rubber Clothing Co., through the kindness of their 
agent, F. M. Shepard, Esq., also furnished me with an entire 
rubber suit of the best quality, for which I had occasion to be 
very thankful on the third day of my journey. 

All paid me, as they agreed to, for my services save one, 
Joseph Burnett, of Boston. He agreed to pay me $50, pro- 
vided 1 arrived at Washington, March 4th, winch I did do. 

I left with Mr. "Whiting, when I passed through New 
Haven, orders on Joseph Burnett for $40, and also on Messrs. 
Gnrney & Son for $25, and Frederick V. Rushton, Esq., for 
$25, to settle the claim he had against me for furnishing the 
team for my companions to ride in. These were paid. On 
my applying to Mr. Burnett for the balance due me, $8 (I had 
made purchases of him to the amount of $2), he told me that 
he did not consider that he owed me any thing, as I had ar- 
rived at Washington too late for the inauguration, and conse- 
quently had not earned the money. He said that what I had 
already received I was welcome to, as I had got it, but that 
he should pay me nothing more. 

He has since failed. 

How are you Burnett ? 

Having made all the preparations I could for my intended 
journey, wearied and worn by continued exertion and anxiety, 
I went to the country on the 20th of February, and remained 
there until the morning of the 22d. During the week pre- 
vious to my starting I did not sleep but four nights, and when 
I arrived in Boston on the morning of the 22d, I was complete- 
ly worn out Mr. Charles H. Foster, who took care of me 
during the journey, and Mr. Abner A. Smith, who had charge 
of the horse and carriage, arrived at Boston on the morning of 
the 22d, and all things being in readiness I went to the Tremont 
house and changed my clothes, and after partaking of a light 
lunch at 11.40 a. m. I proceeded to the State House and pre- 
pared to commence 



10 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

THE GRExiT PEDESTRIAN FEAT. 

Friday^ Fehruary 22<^, 1861. 

FIRST DAY ^THE 8TAKT BOSTON. 

A large crowd gathered in front of the State House to see 
the pedestrian off, and cheer him on to the performance of his 
task. At 11.50 A. M. a carriage drove np to the sidewalk in 
front of the State House, and Mr. Weston, accompanied by one 
of his companions, alighted ; he had hardly touched the 
ground when constable A. G. Dawes came forward and in- 
formed him that he had a claim against him in favor of Beau 
& Clayton. Mr, Weston said that it was not in his power to 
settle it until he returned from Washington, whereupon the 
officer informed him that he (Weston) must consider himself 
under arrest. Mr. Weston took the matter very coolly, and 
requested the officer to enter the carriage and convey him 
where he liked. As he was on the way to the cai-riage another 
person stepped up (whom Mr. Weston supposed to be an offi- 
cer) and presented a claim in favor of D. F. Draper. Mr. 
Weston expressed some surprise at seeing him, but said noth- 
ing, merely requesting the gentleman to enter the carriage 
and go to some place to arrange the matter. 

He told them how he was situated, and that if they released 
him then^ he would settle the claims on his return to Boston. 
But they refused any thing of the kind then^ and he, becoming 
excited, said the only thing he could do was to give them or- 
ders on parties who had engaged him to circulate their adver- 
tisements, as he had no money ; and if they did not accept 
that oifer, he should take the poor debtor's oath. D. F. Dra- 
per had an order all prepared on the Grover & Baker Sewing- 
Machine Company for twenty-five dollars, which he presented 
for Mr. Weston's signature. It was signed ; and then his 
friend (?) Draper seemed very anxious for him to get off, and 
invited Mr. Weston to call and see his family on his return to 
jjoston. He then went to Officer Dawes's office, and waited 
while Mr. Dawes went in quest of the lawyer who had caused 
his arrest. He soon made his appearance, and Mr. Weston 
told him how he was situated. The lawver then went and 



FROM BOSTON TO "SVASHIKGTON. 11 

conferred with liis clients (Bean and Clayton), and sliortly re- 
turned, inforniing Mr. AVeston that lie would be released if he 
paid ten dollars for ehai'ges. Mr. Weston told the lawyer that 
he could not pay a cent then. The lawyer then went (_)ut, and 
soon returned, releasing him, on the condition that he was to 
pay ten dollars on his return to Boston, and settle the claim 
as soon as possible. 

In justice to the officer (Mr. Dawes), Mr. Weston desires to 
say that he performed his duty, and did every thing in his 
power to gain his release from custody, and succeeded. At 
Mr. Weston's request, he held hiiu under arrest until he had 
passed the limits of the cit}'. 

Having arranged matters satisfactorily, Mr. Weston, at a 
quarter to one p. m. again started for the State House. He 
mounted the steps of that building three-quarters of an hour 
behind time, and was heartily received by his friends, and 
greeted with three cheers by the crowd. 

In response to earnest and repeated calls for a speech, Mr. 
Weston made a few. remarks, though he evidently preferred 
to keep his breath for the long journey before him. 

He expressed his regret at having been compelled to keep 
his friends waiting; but some of his creditors had seized this 
opportunity, supposing they would get their pay. (Cries of 
" Shame on them !" and calls for their names.) Mr. Weston 
would not mention the names of the parties, but said : He had 
made no money-bets, but had wagered six half-pints of pea- 
nuts that he would keep up to the time laid down in his pro- 
gramme. Aln-aham Lincoln had been elected by the people, 
President of these United States (applause), and he believed 
he had been elected to walk to Washington to see him inau- 
gurated, and with God's help he Avould do it. 

His speech was received with loud cheers, and at its con- 
clusion (twelve minutes of one) he started on his journey. He 
seemed hardly strong enough to nndergo the fatigues and 
hardships he must experience, but was full of courage, and 
set off at a pace which put all who tried to keep up with him 
on their mettle. A crowd of several hundreds followed him 
down Beacon street, cheering and shouting as he passed on 



13 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

his M'av. Tlie crowd gradually decreased, and when the party- 
arrived at the toll-gate on the Mill-dam, nearly all turned 
back, with three cheers for Mr, "Weston and hearty wishes for 
his complete success. His two companions followed after him 
in a light carriage, containing his baggage, and the advertise- 
ments that were to be distributed on the route. 

He was still accompanied by a few friends, wlio followed 
him as far as jS^ewton, when they each shook hands with him 
and bade him good-bye. Mr, Weston walked the first five 
miles Old of Boston hi forty-seven 7mnutes. He kept a few 
rods ahead of the carriage, and seemed to grow more refreshed 
each mile he travelled. On his arrival at Natick, a distance 
of seventeen miles from Boston, he was met by a company of 
young men, who were parading at the time ; and as he came 
up to them, they presented arms, and gave him three rousing 
cheers. Mr. Weston bowed his acknowledgments, and passed 
on toward Framingham. When within a mile of the town, 
he came upon a party of drummers, who informed him that 
they liad come out to escort him into town. Mr. Weston 
thanked them, and accepted their escort, and marched to the 
Framingham Hotel, where he arrived at a quarter to six r. m, 
having travelled a distance of twenty-one miles, (He had then 
more than made up the time he was detained at Boston ; for, 
had he left that place at noon, as he intended, his time-table 
said lie would not arrive at Framingham until six p. m.) He 
and his companions were most sumptuously entertained by 
the proprietor, Mr. Bolles, and his worthy lady, who paid us 
every attention. Mr. AVeston, while eating his supper, was 
introduced to several gentlemen, residents of the town, and 
liad a pleasant chat with them. He stated that he felt much 
better than when he left Boston, and felt confident of success, 
unless he was detained again. He soon entered the parlor, 
where there were a number of ladies waiting to see him. 
Wliile preparing to leave, quite a little incident occurred, in 
•which his companions were not permitted to participate. A 
gentleman informed him that a lady present desired to send a 
kiss to the President. Mr. Weston said he had no objections 
>to receivivg the kiss, but he could not promise to deliver it to 



FEOM BOSTON TO WASIIINGTOISr. 13 

the President. Accordingly, tlie lady kissed liim, and tlic 
other ladies present did likewise. He told them that he felt very 
highly flattered, and, hidding them good-night, left the room. 

When Mr. Weston appeared at the door, the crowd outside 
received him with cheers, and he was compelled to make a 
short speech in response to their calls. He thanked them for 
their kind reception, and paid a compliment to our worthy 
host, Mr. Bolles, who refused to accept any compensation 
whatever for his entertainment. 

One of our horses having been exchanged here, on his way 
from New Haven to Boston, we again took charge of him, 
and, every thing being in readiness, at seven o'clock in the 
evening Mr. Weston left the hotel, accompanied by a large 
escort of the villagers, headed by the same drummers who 
had previously escorted him into the town. After pioceeding 
about half a mile, the escort stopped, and, giving him three 
hearty cheers, they returned homeward, and Mr. Weston 
struck out for Worcester. He had proceeded about three 
miles, when he came up to a carriage containing two ladies 
and a gentleman. The latter informed Mr. W. that the ladies 
had rode ten miles on purpose to shake hands M'ith him. He 
thanked them for their attention, and, after a few minutes' 
conversation, bade them good-night, and passed on. 

Notwithstanding the snow and ice, and the consequent bad 
condition of the roads, Mr. Weston continued to walk at a 
brisk pace, and appeared to improve more and more each 
mile. Just after passing the town of Westboro' w^e heard him 
laughing, and upon inquiring the reason of his mirth he said 
that a verdant youth wdio had left him but a few moments 
previous had been urging upon him the necessity of his reach- 
ing Washington "on time," as he, the aforesaid youth, had 
bet $20. He promised to do his best, but at the same time 
expressed his regret, that any one should have bet upon his 
performance of a feat, such as he had never before attenq^ted. 

He travelled on very fast, occasionally stopping for a bowl 
of milk or a glass of water, and would frequently inquire the 
time. He seemed very anxious to reach Worcester " on time," 
but could not be made to believe that he would pass through 



14 JOURXAL OF A WALK 

that city unmolested. "When within about two miles of the 
city, M^e saw a carriage stop and quite a number alight, w^ho 
proved to be some young men who had come out to walk with 
him into Worcester. A few moments later we saw an open 
carriage approaching containing two men ; their faces were 
completely hid as though they were afraid of freezing. Mr, 
Weston called one of his companions and told him he should 
be detained at Worcester. It seemed to drive him al- 
most mad, and he began to feel discouraged, but rallying 
again he said he would brave the worst. The open carriage 
proved to contain a sheriff and Mr. Balcom, and as soon as 
Mr. Weston entered the city limits the officer came up and 
informed him tliat lie was under arrest. The officer offered to 
accompany Mr. W. to obtain refreshments, but the latter re_ 
fused, saying he M'ould go to the Lincoln House and attend to 
Mr. Balcom's case first (wlio had caused his arrest). As he 
entered the house he went up to tlie office, folloM^ed by quite 
a crowd, and demanded of Mr. Balcom wliy he had detained 
him. He (Mr. Weston) was very much excited, and made 
himself worse by entering a sitting room which was uncom- 
fortably hot. He was so unfit, from over-excitement, to at- 
tend to any matter of business, that his friends took the mat- 
ter in hand. After being detained nearly two hours^(for Mr. 
Weston had reached Worcester on time), the claim was finally 
satisfactorily adjusted, by two gentlemen, almost entire stran- 
gers to him, who endorsed his note, payable in two months, 
for the amount. 

Shortly after 2 o'clock he left the Lincoln House and pro- 
ceeded to a "friend's house," where he found a number of 
ladies and gentlemen, and a bounteous supper, which had been 
in waiting over two hours for him. 

Although when he entered the city, two hours previous, he 
was exceedingly hungry, and had not partaken of any thing 
since his arrival, yet when he went to the table he could not 
eat, and behaved more like a madman than any thing else. 

Saturday, February 2Sd. 
After remaining at his friend's house about an hour, at 3^ 



FROM BOSTON TO "WASHINGTON. 15 

A. M., he prepared to leave, notwithstanding his friends and 
companions urged him to lie down and rest himself. 

The detention at Worcester surprised us all, and came very 
near using the " pedestrian " up. lie seemed to lose all con- 
trol over himself, and did not (as he afterward said), know 
what he was doing. No person who saw him at the time be- 
lieved he would be able to hold out Ions; enoui>;h to travel six 
miles. 

But he insisted upon starting, and did. He had proceeded 
about a mile from Worcester when he complained of a strange 
sensation, and said he could not keep his eyes open. He could 
hardly stand on his feet, and the snow being over a foot deep 
he fell down several times. Once he gave the order to his 
companions to turn about and carry him back to Worcester ; 
but in a moment he changed his mind, and said " he would 
not go hack.'''' lie seemed to think that if he went back at all 
it would be a failure, and if he went ahead it would kill him, 
yet said that he would sooner die on the road than backdown. 
No one can imagine what a long and tedious walk it was to 
Leicester, (only six miles) through snow nearly two feet deep. 
Mr. Weston almost crept along, stopping to lie down on the 
snow or on a fence every five minutes during the whole walk. 
Neither of his companions thouglit he would be able to go far- 
ther than Leicester, but when within two miles of the village 
he was taken with severe bleeding at the nose, which seemed 
to relieve him greatly, and waken him up. He arrived at 
Leicester just at daylight, having been since 3^ o'clock a. m, 
travelling six miles. During the journey from Woj-cester 
his companions lost a heavy woollen shawl, but he would not 
permit them to turn back for it. On arriving at Leicester, the 
pedestrian entered the hotel at that place, and found them fry- 
ing doughnuts ; he- bathed himself, and obtaining a few 
doughnuts passed on toward East Brookfield. When day- 
light came, he seemed to be much recovered from the effects 
of the excitement of the night previous, and learning that he 
was six miles nearer East Brookfield than he supposed, he 
started into a brisk pace, and arrived at the Wawaconnuck 
Hotel at 8.40 a. m. Here he found a nice breakfast which had 



16 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

been prepared for him, some two lioiirs previous, hy the pro- 
prietor, Mr. Peter Parenteau, who treated him with much at- 
tention. After breakfast, at 9^ a. m., Mr. Parenteau kindlj 
offering a bed, Mr. Weston retired and slept two hours. AVe 
awoke him every fifteen minutes during the time, and when 
he arose he seemed much refreshed. Here he underwent a 
severe rubbing for the first time, and during the operation 
he was notified that, about three miles distant, there was 
a band of music waiting to escort him into South Brook- 
field. 

At 12 M. he left East Brookfield, and just before he reached 
the next village he was waited upon hy a committee and es- 
corted through the town of South Brookfield by a brass band, 
consisting of twelve pieces ; several spirited airs were played. 
On arriving at the outskirts of the village they came to a halt 
and gave him three cheers. Mr. Weston responded by a brief 
speech, thanking them for their approval and kind reception, 
which was as pleasant as it was unexpected. We then passed 
on toward West Brookfield. There was a large crowd collect- 
ed at that place, who gave him three cheers, and the pedes- 
trian raised his cap in acknowledgment, passing on toward 
West Warren, where he arrived at 3 p. m. Here a lady came 
to the road-side and presented the pedestrian with a small 
American flag, and some young men in the village obtaining a 
small cannon gave him a salute of seven guns. Quite an 
elderly gentleman came up and asked the " pedestrian " if he 
could accompany him a few utiles. Mr. Weston readily as- 
sented, and slackening his pace a little, they walked together, 
'ihatting quite freely. The flag presented to the pedestrian 
we placed in the whip-socket, and the breeze causing it to flut- 
ter, our horse became frightened and started to run ; for a 
moment we were in imminent peril of being capsized, but we 
soon checked him, and consoled ourselves by thinking he ivas 
not the Jifst, neither will he be the last creature, that has 
tremhled at the Amet'ican flag. The elderly gentleman con- 
tinued journeying with Mr. Weston for about five miles, when 
he bade him Grod-s})eed and left. All along the route from 
Brookfield to Palmer the people would come to the road-side 



FROM BOSTON TO WASIIINGTOX. 17 

and offer him refrediments, and not unire(|nently lie would 
partake of milk, also molasses and water. 

His companions would also receive similar attenti(in>, and 
frequently would (.pieneli their thirst with an excellent draui^-ht 
of cider. 

The pedestrian kept (piite a steady pace, at the rate of three 
and a quarter miles per hour, until he reached Palmer, walk- 
ing the last mile over a beautiful road in nine minutes, and 
arriving at the Antique House at 6.20 p. m. 

Here he was suri'ounded by a great crowd which had been 
waiting since 2 o'clock, and much interest was manifested that 
lie should accomplish the feat. Much indignation was ex- 
pressed at his being detained on the route. 

E. B. Shaw, Esq., the proprietor of the Antique House, had 
a splendid supper in waiting for the pedestrian and his com- 
panions, and paid them every attention possible?" He not only 
refused any rennmeration whatever, but wished that we should 
inform him of any thing he could do Avhich would add to our 
comfort. He furnished us with an excellent apartment, and 
Mr. AVeston, after bathing and rubbing, retired at S|- p. m. 

Sunday, Fthymary 24:f/i. 

We arose at 2 a. m., and in fifteen minutes were prepared to 
leave. Mr. Shaw having kindly looked out for our comfort 
by providing us a bountiful lunch, which we took along. 

The pedestrian complained some of his left knee, and walked 
quite lame for some miles. At 4 a. m., when near Baldwin- 
ville, we stopped at the residence of S. M. Bliss, Esq., Avho 
kindly furnished the l>arty with a lunch of bread and milk, 

xVt 6 A. M. we arrived at Wilbraham, and it began to rain. 
The pedestrian for the first and only time donned his rubber 
suit (presented to him by the Ilubber Clothing Co.) He 
seemed to enjoy it for a change, and walked along quite fast 
until Tf A. M., when we stopped for a lunch on squash pie and 
a cup of tea. Mr. Weston here took off his rubber suit and 
started onward ; it soon began to grow* very cold and windy, 
the wind blowing directly in his face. It was very muddy in 
the road and exceedingly slippery, which caused the pedes- 



18 JOURNAL OF A "WALK 

tn'un to be xevy irritable. It continued so until we reached 
Hartford, Conn., at 4f p. m. Mr. Weston said it was the 
toughest day on the whole route, and he felt it the more as he 
was due at Hartford at noon, and had anticipated attending 
church in that city. Arriving at Hartford, he went imme- 
diately to the residence of Mrs. Lambe, and was kindly cared 
for by all. He had spent the greater part of the winter at 
Hartford, and being in trouble at the time and somewhat un- 
fortunate, he felt much indebted to the friends he had made dur- 
ing his stay in that city, for their kind assistance ; among them 
were Messrs. D. C. Pond and C. W. Clapp, who did every thing 
in their power to assist ns and make iis comfortable. We all 
feel greatly indebted to Mrs. Lambe for the excellent supper 
furnished by her. After tea and during the evening Mr. 
Weston received a few friends, and after the usual process of 
bathing, &c., at 9 p. m. he retired. He slept nearly three 
hours, wlien he arose, and partaking of a lunch in company 
with C. W, Clapp, Esq., left Hartford at midnight, 

Monday^ Fthruary 'H^th. 
Mr, Clapp walked with the pedestrian a few miles and then 
bade him good-bye. When about seven miles out of Hart- 
ford, Mr, Weston was chased by a dog, and while endeavoring 
to keep the animal off, sprained his left ankle badly. But he 
pushed on and walked ten miles farther to Mcriden, although 
he says he suffered excruciating pain, the roads being very 
rough and his ankle very lame. He arrived at Meriden at G 
A; M., and was kindly cared for by a family living in that 
place; having slept one hour and partaken of a nice cup of 
coffee, feeling much refreshed, at 7 a. m, he left Meriden. 
Soon after he arrived at Yalesville, at the residence of G, I, 
Mix, Esq., where he had engaged to remain the night pre- 
vious. He stopped and made his apology to the family, who 
had sat up quite late, expecting his arrival. At 10|- a. m., we 
arrived at the residence of D. S. Stephens, Esq., Wallingford, 
and ])artook of an excellent breakfast, for which we all felt 
v^ry grateful. Tlie pedestrian's knee was quite painful, and 
he left his friend Stephens at 11a, m,, and lie M'as very irri- 



FKOM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON, 19 

I 

table until he arrived at New Haven. During the last three 
miles previous to his arrival at New Haven, Mr. Weston 
walked very fast through mud and slosh, and arrived at the 
residence of Ben Bryan, Esq., 135 Crown street, at 2 r. m. 
(Mr. Br}^n had extended the invitation to Mr. Weston some 
days previous, and the pedestrian had promised to stop there.) 

As he entei-ed the city, lie was loudly cheered by the crowd 
who had been awaiting his arrival for some six hours. We 
received every attention, and our every want was su})})Ii(.'d by 
our obliging host. 

The pedestrian, after partaking of a light lunch, retired and 
slept one hour and a half. Ho then arose and partook of a 
first-rate dinner. After making a short speech to the crowd, 
at D^ p. M. he left New Haven, followed by the largest crowd 
we had witnessed since our departure from Boston. 

At New Haven, Mr. Weston received quite a number of 
his friends, and all expressed a decided wish that he would be 
successful. 

We here meet Mr. George K. Whiting, Mdio engaged to fur- 
nish the team for Mr. Weston's companions. He took charge 
of the team when we entered New Haven, and supplied us 
with a fresh one. We here renewed our stock of advertise- 
ments, such as we had distributed at houses along the route, 
Sunday excepted. 

Passing through Milford, bonfires were blazing, and ladies 
waved him " good cheer" with their handkerchiefs. He made 
a brief stop here at a restaurant, and then goes on to Bridge- 
port, where he arrives at 11 v. m. He quarters at the Sterling 
House, and receives the best attention from the proprietor, 
M. H. Wilson, Esq., who furnishes ns with most excellent ac- 
commodations and a bountiful supper, not consenting to accept 
of any thing but our thanks. The pedestrian retires at mid- 
night, and sleeps soundly. 

Tuesdaxj^ Ftbruary 'iQth. 

We arise at 5 a. m., and leave Bridgeport at 5^. Pedes- 
trian grew somewhat lame, until he arrives at Fairfield. We 
find no hotel in the villnge, but are kindly invited by Mr. 



20 JOUKNAL OF A WALK 

Korth to partake of a cup of excellent coftee at his house. 
We here meet a friend from ITartfV>rd (Mr. Kelly), and he 
walks a short distance, chatting with Mr. Weston, when he 
wishes ns all success and bids us good-bye. 

Shortly afterward we arrive at Westport (at 9f a. m.) We 
find the Stars and Stripes thrown to the breeze, and a great 
crowd greet the pedestrian with cheers as he passes. Mr. 
Weston then strikes into a fast gait, and at 11 a. m. arrives at 
Norwalk. Before leaving Boston, a note was handed to us, 
which proved to be an invitation from J. C. Kelly, Esq., pro- 
prietor of the Connecticut Hotel, Norwalk, for Mr. Weston to 
stop at his house on his arrival at that place. But, upon 
reaching the town, he did not know which house to go to. 
Not wishing to create any ill-feeling, he said it was his inten- 
tion to stop wherever his printed time-table had been sent. 
Mr. Bradley, of the ISTorwalk Hotel, came up to Mr. Weston, 
and waited upon him to his house ; but upon an explanation 
being made, Mr. Weston proceeded to the Connecticut Hotel, 
where he was cordially welcomed by Mr. Kelly, promising to 
call at the Norwalk Hotel Avhen he again visited the town. 
Mr. Weston was kindly received by all, and held quite a levee 
in the parlor of the hotel while waiting for his breakfast. 
Muck enthusiasm prevailed, and flags were displayed upon 
many of the buildings. At 11^ a. m. the pedestrian and his 
travelling-companions sat down to a bountiful breakfast pre- 
pared in Mr. Kelly's usual style, and of which we all ate 
heartily. Here, as before, money was of no use to us, and 
none seemed inclined to think we ought to pay for any thing. 

The pedestrian was so much pleased with his reception by 
the good people of I^orwalk, that he seemed to gain rencAved 
vigor, and at 12 m. started for Stamford at a brisk pace. At 
If V. jSI. we arrived at Darien, where we again find the Stars 
and Stripes unfurled, and much excitement. 

At 2f p. M. the pedestrian enters the village of Stamford. 
Here he finds anotlier crowd awaiting his arrival, and again 
tinds the ever-glorious Stars and Stripes flung to the breeze. 
He makes a short stay at the Stamford Hotel, and is kindly 
cared for by the proprietor, W. G. Kichols, Esq., who did not 



FROM BOSTON TO WASIIINGTOX. 21 

care to Ivnow wlietlier we had any nioiiev or not, and, if we 
had, would not consent to have us use it at " that time/' Just 
as he was leaving the house, a gentleman mounted a ])latform 
and proposed three cheers fur the " predestinarian." It is 
needless to add that the predestinarian received the cheers. 

Amid the acclamations of tlie crowd, the pedestrian leaves 
Stamford at 3j v. m. At 5^ r. :si. we arrive at Ilorseneck 
(Greenwich), the scene of General Putnam's daring leap. 
AYliile passing through the village, a bright little youth about 
six years of age (whose name we learned was Little Freddie), 
came forward and presented Mr. Weston with a medal, bear- 
ing the ])ortraits of Lincoln and Hamlin on either side. The 
pedestrian said he should preserve the medal, and ever after 
remember " Little Freddie." 

Just before entering the village of Port Chester, we met a 
baker's wagon, and obtained a nice, fresh loaf of bread. The 
pedestrian "blessed t/uct baker" many times before he retired 
that night. We cross the dividing line between Connecticut 
and New York at 6.10 r. m. The })edcstrian walks two miles 
in nineteen minutes, notwithstanding the roads were very 
rough and muddy, and arrives at the hotel in Port Chester 
at 6^ p. M. Much enthusiasm prevailed, and he was loudly 
cheered by the crowd which had accompanied him during the 
last mile. lie makes but a short stop, and receives kind at- 
tention from the hindlord of the house (whose name we did 
not learn). Having been introduced to several ladies, he bids 
them good-night, and proceeds on his jouniey, arriving at Sib- 
ery's Hotel, New Rochelle, at 10^ p. m. He is much amused 
at learning the}' do not think he is the man, they having been 
" sold" several times during the evening. Mr. Sibery, the 
proprietor of the house, was out of town at the time, but every 
attention was shown the pedestrian by the woi'tliy lady. An 
excellent supper was set before us, and we all enjoyed it greatly. 
At 11^ p. M. we prepared to retire. As Mr. Weston was about 
to ascend to his room, he was introduced to sevei-al young 
ladies, who seemed to pity him exceedingly. The pedestrian 
thanked them for their sympathy, but expressed himself as 
being very well, and very sleepy. 



22 JOTJENAL OF A WALK 

Wednesday^ Fthruary ^^th. 

We arise, and at 5 a. m. leave New Roclielle for New York 
Pedestrian encounters very rough roads, but arrives at Ilarlen-i 
bridge at Of a.^ m. Here lie strikes into another fast gait, and 
arrives at the Metropolitan Hotel, New York, at 11^ a. m. 

Lewis Leland, Esq., then takes charge of him, and kindly 
cares for his wants. A most excellent breakfast was set before 
him, and we think he very soon took care of that, Mr. C. Y. 
Segar here waited upon Mr. Weston to the photograph gallery 
of Messrs. J. Gurney and Son, 707 Broadway, where he is pre- 
sented with three dozen cartes de msite of himself by the proprie- 
tors. Tlie pedestrian also stood for a j>hotograph ay he then 
appeared. 

Soon after, he returned to the Metropolitan Hotel, where ho 
met Mr. George B. Eddy (with whom he had made the wager). 
Mr. Eddy showed every attention possible, and desired to do 
more. The pedestrian remained at the Metropolitan nntil 2 
p. M., when he visited the establishment of the Grover and 
Baker Sewing-Machine Company, 495 Broadway. He here 
mounted himself upon a table and took a nap until 4 p, m. On 
awaking, he found a very nice cup of coiFee and some lunch, 
prepared for him by some of the ladies employed in the estab- 
lishment. It proved very acceptable, as the pedestrian was 
preqyared to eat at almost any thne. 

He soon took his departure, passing down Broadway, ma- 
king several calls on his way to the Courtland-street ferry, and 
at 5 p. M. Mr. Weston crossed the ferry to Jersey City, and in 
company with Mr. Eddy proceeded on the plank-road toward 
Newark. He walked very fast, and did not slacken his speed 
durinir the entire distance, arriving at tlie citv of Newark at 
7 p. i*t. Here a large crowd received him, and he was obliged 
to call the assistance of several policemen to keep the crowd 
oif his heels. On arriving at the City Hotel, he immediately 
repaired to his room, and received the congratulations of many 
of the citizens. He then partook of a hearty supper, and at 
8|^ p. M. retired. 



FKOM BOSTON TO WASIIINGTOK. 23 

Thursday^ Fehniary 2^th. 

We left Newark at 12^ a.m., accompanied by a large crowd ; 
among tliem Mr. Eddy, who accom})anied tlie pedestrian as 
far as Elizabetlitown, M'liere lie arrived at 2;^ a. m. Mi'. Eddy 
tlien bade us good-bye and we started on toward Ivahway. 
Here the pedestrian encounters a great deal of mud, which 
was quite deep,, and consequently very difficult to travel 
through ; he lunches upon sandwiches, and soon after became 
exceedingly exhausted and sleepy ; complained of a severe 
pain in his chest, and attributed it to the eating of mustard on 
sandwiches. He stopped every quarter of a mile and sat 
down to sleep; was exceedingly irritable, which caused the 
whole party to have the blues, of the " darkest kind." Mr. 
Weston concludes to go back half a mile, to a public house 
and sleep (we having just passed the village of Rahway). He 
returns a few steps, when, suddenly throwing olf his blanket, 
he exclaims: " iVb, I wont go hack P^ and, wheeling around, 
strikes into a four-mile gait and proceeds about two miles, 
when we arrive at the residence of Mr. Samuel Forbes, The 
gentleman kindly invites us into his house, and furnishes us 
with a hearty breakfast. As he would accept nothing but our 
thanks, we soon bade him good-morning and passed on toward 
!New Brunswick. The pedestrian keeps up a brisk walk, and 
arrives at Williams's Hotel, New Brunswick, at 11^^ a.m. He 
was escorted to the house by a large crowd, and immediately 
retired to his room. The crowd surround the house, and 
remain until lie takes his departure. The pedestrian sleeps 
nearly two hours, and at one p. m. prepares for dinner. At the 
table he meets a party of Lloyd's Minstrels, who congratu- 
late him upon his success thus far ; and Mr. Cool White, 
on the part of the company, extends to Mr. Weston an in- 
vitation to visit their entertainment, whenever he could make 
it convenient. After dinner, he visited Mr. Williams, who was 
confined tohis room by sickness, and, while there, a lady request- 
ed the privilege of cutting a lock of hair from the pedestrian's 
head, to which Mr. Weston made no objections. He was also 
requested by an artist in the town, to sit for a photograph ; but, 



24 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

being very irritable at tbe time, he declined to comply "vvitli 
the request. 

At 2^ p. M. Ave left New Brunswick, followed by a large 
crowd ; and, finding the roads much better, the pedestrian 
makes good time, and at 6-| r. m. we arrived at the residence of 
Mr.- Charles Shaun (South Brunswick, two miles from Kings- 
ton), Avliere we were very hospitably entertained by Mr. Shaun 
and his family, wdio urged Mr. Weston to remain with them 
overnight and offered every accommodation for himself and 
companions ; but Mr. Weston, desiring to reach Trenton that 
night, declined their kind oifer, and after partaking of an ex- 
cellent supper, bade them good-bye, and proceeded toward 
Trenton. He had not proceeded far, ere he wished he had ac- 
cepted the kind offer of Mr. Shaun ; for it was very dark, and 
the roads being exceedingly rough, it was Avith difficulty that 
he made any headway. 

About 9 p. M. the pedestrian complained of his ankles being 
very lame, and is fearful that he Avill sprain one or both. He 
stops every few minutes and seems to be in excruciating pain. 
For an experiment, we suggest to him the idea of riding into 
Trenton, but he Avill not listen to us and becomes exceedingly 
irritable, Avhich makes him push forward more briskly. Soon 
after Ave stopped at a private house on the road, and the in- 
mates flock to the road-side, loaded Avitli various eatables of 
Avliich Ave all partook. Mr. AVeston Avas again kindly invited 
to stop Avith the family overnight but declined. (Though we 
did not learn the names of our Avorthy host and his family, we 
arc none the less thankful for their kind treatment.) We pro- 
ceeded, and soon after arrived at a tavern in Clarksville (7 
miles from Trenton) kept by Mr. Fairbrothers. It being then 
11 o'clock, the pedestrian concluded it Avas best for all hands 
'' to turn in,^' and all retired at 11^ p.m. 

Friday^ March \st. 
We arise at o'clock, a. m., feeling much refreshed, as it is 
the longest sleep Ave have had since our departure from Boston. 
Mr. AVeston ujtpears greatly improved, and seems more confi- 
dent of success than ever. After partaking of a light break- 



FROM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 25 

fast, we left Clarksville at Gf, a. m., and the pedestrian walked 
as well as at any time since his departure from Boston, one 
week before. The turnpike was perfectly straiglit, and a l)eau- 
tiful road to travel on. Mr. Weston sprains liis great toe which 
causes him some pain. Nutwitljstanding this, he arrives at the 
American Hotel, Trenton, at 8f a. m. Mr. Weston was kind- 
ly Aveleomed by the proprietor, Mr. J. V. D. Joline, who ex- 
pressed some regret that he did not arrive the evening previous, 
as the citizens had made arrangements to give him a grand re- 
ception. Mr. Weston felt some disappointment at not arriving 
there in time, but said, " his being detained at Worcester, 
Mass., had caused the deviation from his time-table, and came 
very near preventing his arrival there at alL" Just l)efore the 
pedestrian sat down to breakfast, and while standing in the 
bar-room of the Hotel, a gentleman hastily entered, and liaTid- 
ing to Mr. Weston a sheet of music, said, he was requested to 
give it to the pedestrian, and then immediately left the room, 
giving Mr. Weston no chance to thank him or ask who was 
the donor. 

The piece of music was entitled, " Liberty's Reveille," and 
was dedicated to Hon. John J. Crittenden of Kentucky. 

We soon sat down to a number-one breakfast prepared by 
our worthy host, and while in the enjoyment of our meal, Mr. 
Weston is introduced to several prominent citizens of the place 
who congratulated him upon his ari-ival and energy. The pe- 
destrian seemed to enjoy the honors conferred upon him, and 
was much pleased at his reception in Trenton. Breakfast being 
concluded, he prepares to leave, but before doing so, at the ur- 
gent solicitation of several gentlemen, he makes a sliort speech 
from the balcony of the Hotel. At lOJ a. m., we left Trenton, 
and crossed the bridge into the State of Pennsylvania. We 
met quite a number of people who seemed much interested, 
and wished the pedestrian success. We soon pass Wni. Peun's 
manor, find the roads quite dusty, but the weatlier is clear and 
the scenery beautiful along the banks of the Delaware River. 
Mr. Weston keeps a brisk and steady walk until he arrives at 
Bristol, Pa., where he was kindly received by a large crowd 
who escorted him to the Railroad House, Mr. Wm. Early, 



26 TOrEl!jAL OF A WALK 

proprietor. This gentleman had sent a note to Boston inviting 
Mr. Weston to make his stop in Bristol at his house. We 
were provided with a most excellent dinner, and every thing 
was done for onr comfort by Mr. Early and his family. Mr. 
Weston learned tliat the Bristol Brass Band went out on the 
road at 6 a, m., the morning previous and waited two hours, 
intending to give the pedestrian the honor of an escort into 
town. He offered an apology for disappointing them, and ex- 
plained the cause of his delay. 

At 2 p. M., Mr. Weston left Bristol followed by a large crowd 
who cheer him on his journey. We find the road to Philadelphia 
a very pleasant one, only though somewhat hilly, and the 
j^edestrian kept a brisk pace the entire distance. lie finds it 
very uncomfortable walking on the flag-stones and brick side- 
walks, but arrives at the Continental Hotel, Philadel])hia, at 
8^ p. M., where we were kindly cared for by the superintendent 
of the house, Mr. Jones. The pedestrian is invited to take a 
ride to his room on the steam elevator, but declines, saying, 
"As he commenced to walk he thought he would not alter his 
mode of travel until he arrived at Washington :" accordingly 
he walked up stairs to his room. He was favored with a visit 
by a few of his Philadelphia friends, and after partaking of a 
light lunch, and going through the usual process of loathing, 
retired. 

Saturday^ March 2r7. 
We arrived at 2^ a. m., and through the kindness of Mr. 
Jones, we sat down to a very good breakfast. After having 
renewed our stock of advertisements, at 3^ a. m., we left Phil- 
adelphia, and crossing the Mai'ket Street Bridge, we proceeded 
on the old stage-road toward Baltimore. We found it quite 
hilly, and having proceeded twelve miles, learned that we had 
taken the wrong road, which caused the pedestrian to be very 
irritable. He drank a great quantity of water, and this made 
him feel quite sick and weak. Stopping several times on the 
road, we obtained some refreshments, and soon after arrived 
at the Charter House, Media, where (quite unexpectedly to us) 
we were cordially welcomed by the proprietor, Mr. D. II. Haw- 



FEOM BOSTOX TO WASHINGTON. 27 

kins. The pedestrian slept one hour, and decided to stimulate 
for the first time on the journey, so he drank a very little sher- 
ry wine. 

He then ate a capital breakfast, and we all felt greatly en- 
couraged. The sun shining very warm, Mr. Weston took oif 
his coats, and changing his shoes for lighter ones, prepared to 
leave. The crowd which had by this time collected, gave him 
three cheers, and he proceeds onward. 

The road was quite hilly and somewhat sandy, but the pe- 
destrian pushed onward, and at 6^ p. m., crosses tlie Brandy wine 
at Cliadd's Ford. On the road, during tiie day, he frccpiently 
regaled himself at private houses, where the occupants paid 
him marked attention. Soon after crossing the Brandywine, 
we arrived at the AVashington Hotel, Hamerton, Cheste^- Co., 
Pcnn., where we were very hospitably entertained by the pro- 
prietor, Mr. Conlin. Quite a crowd collected in front of the 
house, but Mr. Weston concluded to sleep a few hours, so re- 
tired and slept until midnight. 

Sunday, March Zd. 
We arose, and having partaken of a good breakfast prepared 
by Mr. Conlin, at 12^ a. m. started for Port Deposit. It was 
a long and tedious walk (40 miles); for from the time we left 
Hamerton nntil If p. m., when we arrived at Port Deposit, the 
pedestrian could not obtain any refreshments to do him any 
good. Going into Port Deposit we managed to take the 
wrong road, and Mr. AVeston walked down the main street in 
his undress uniform; it being a mile long and on Sunday, it 
may easily be imagined that he was not in a very amiable 
mood when he arrived at the AYashington House. Here, 
though unexpected, Mr. AVeston was kindly cared for by the 
worthy proprietor, Mr. AYra. Crompton. AYe are greatly in- 
debted to Mr. Crompton for his exertions in our behalf; he 
used every effort, and succeeded in linding the owners of the 
ferry boat, and after some delay, she was prepared on purpose 
to convey the pedestrian and his companions across the Sus- 
quehanna River. It being Suuday, the boat was nut in run- 
ning order, and wo were obliged to wait some time fur tliem 



28 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

to get lier ready. We were well cared for, and partook of a 
tip-top dinner, after whicli the pedestrian took a nap, and 
shortly after 4 p. m., every thing being ready, we left Fort 
Deposit, accompanied by a large crowd, who escorted us across 
the river. Mr. Weston observing that he would have to wait 
a few moments for the crowd to pass through the narrow gate- 
way to the steamboat landing, and l)eing in a lively humor, 
surprised all present by leaping over a fence nearly as high as 
himself Having crossed the river, the crowd gave him three 
hearty cheers, and he walked quite Ijriskly for some miles. 
Soon after passing the village of Belair, the pedestrian became 
very sleepy and was exceedingly cross. We stopped at the 
residence of a Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Weston lay down by the 
side of the stove and slept an hour, when he awoke, and after 
partaking of a hearty lunch, furnished by our kind host, we 
proceeded. 

Monday^ March Mh. 

It was very dark and the clouds were threatening in their 
appearance. The pedestrian grew weary and almost disheart- 
ened. We found an innumerable number of toll-gates, and 
were com])elled to wait for each gate-keeper to arise and un- 
lock the gate before we could proceed ; Mdiat with hills, dogs, 
and darkness, it was a long and tedious journey to Baltimore; 
but we arrived at the Eutaw House, in that city, at 4^ a. m. 
We here found the excellent and well-known proprietor, Robt. 
B. Coleman, Esq., up and ready to extend to the pedestrian a 
cordial welcome and a hearty breakfast. Mr. Coleman was 
very anxious for the pedestrian to reach Washington on time, 
and consequently made every one who could assist him hurry 
things. In a few moments after our arrival we sat down to a 
hearty breakfast, prepared in the famous style of similar meals 
at the International Hotel, Niagara Falls, of which house Mr. 
Coleman had also the management. 

At T) A. M., Mr, Weston left Baltimore. It began to rain, 
but only continued to rain a short time. The pedestrian 
walked very ftist, and still felt confident of reaching Washing- 
ton on time. AVe had proceeded about seven miles when we 



FEOM BOSTON TO WASHIXGTON. 29 

found our horse was unable to proceed any farther. "\A^e did 
not know wliat to do, but Mr. Weston concluded to cross over 
to the llehij House (two miles otf his road) and endeavor to 
obtain another liorse for his companions. We accordingly 
visited the Relay House, Washington Junction (30 miles from 
the city of Washington), but was unable to secure a horse. 
Finding that his companions could proceed no farther, and 
notwitlistanding he was then hite, after partaking of a light 
lunch he bade his friends good-l)ye (telling them to proceed 
by rail and meet him at Washington). He crossed over to the 
road, and walked the remainder of the distance alone. He 
says that he met but one team on the road, until he came in 
sight of the Capitol. Mr. Weston walked very fast, and hard- 
ly stopped while walking the entire distance ; indeed, on his 
arrival at Washington his lips were very much parched. He 
touched the back of the Capitol just as the clock struck 5 
p. M., after having walked from Boston, Mass., to Washington, 
D. C. (including all delays and detentions), ^?^ ten consecutive 
daijs, four hours and twelve minutes. Taking into C(jnsidera- 
tion the distance he walked oif of the direct road, he must 
have walked during the journey at least jive hundred and ten 
inites. On entering the city he was soon found out, and a 
large crowd followed him. Being somewhat tired after his 
journey, he accepted the assistance of an officer, who took him 
into a house, gave him a glass of ale, and then quietly es- 
corted him to the quarters which had been prepared for him. 

He found quite a number of his Washington friends waiting 
to see him, and after a few moments"' conversati(m he lay down 
upon a sofa and slept an hour ; he then arose, and after par- 
taking of a bountiful supper, prepared himself to attend the 
Inauguration Ball. He went to the ball, but l)eing too sleepy 
to enjoy anything, he remained but a short time at the ball, 
but returned home aud retired at 10^ p. m. He slept soundly 
and did not awake until 11 a. m. the next day. 

Mr. Weston felt very much refreshed after his long sleep, 
and declared that he never felt better in his life. After eating 
very heartily, in company with a few friends he visited the 
Capitol, where he met Hon. Christopher lioltinson, of his 



30 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

native State (Rhode Island). Mr. Robinson introduced liim 
to a number of the members of Congress, among them Hon. 
Stephen A. Douglas, who congratulated him upon his safe ar- 
rival, and extended an invitation to Mr. Weston to visit his 
house. 

A few evenino-s later, Mr. AYeston attended President Lin- 
coin's first levee, where Mr. Douglas introduced him to Mrs. 
Douglas and others. He was also introduced to the President 
and Mrs. Lincoln, who seemed much surprised that he should 
possess such great powers of endurance. The President of- 
fered to pay the pedestrian's fare from Washington to Boston ; 
but Mr. Weston informed him that as he had failed in the first 
attempt he felt obliged to tiy it again, and should walk from 
Washington to Boston. 

NOTE. 

Justice to myself and to all concerned, demands my making 
the following explanation with regard to my detention at 
Worcester, Mass., on the night of the 22d of February, 1861. 

During the latter part of the summer of 1860, 1 was engaged 
in business in the city of Worcester, and at that time I boarded 
at the Lincoln House, then kept by Mr. E. T. Balcom. While 
there, I managed my affairs very injudiciously, and it may be 
extravagantly, consequently, I was somewhat involved in debt. 
As I could no longer attend to my business in or near Worces- 
ter, I moved from the city, leaving behind me a debt of nearly 
$50, due to Mr. Balcom. I promised to pay him a part of the 
amount the following November, but was unable to keep my 
promise. I cannot deny that Mr. Balcom was very patient, 
and do not blame him for wishing to collect his just due; 
but why should he choose this particular time? Shortly 
before I started on my walk to Washington, I wrote him 
a letter, explaining how I was situated and telling him 1 
would be able to settle the claim he had against me as soon as 
I had accomplished my walk. I never received any reply to 
that letter, and thought, from his silence, that he intended to 
stoj) me on my way through Worcester if I did not settle the 



^ FliOM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 31 

claim previous to my startinf!:. Accordingly, I sent a tViend of 
mine to see liim and arrange the matter, and to tell liiui that 
it was not. in my power to settle his bill, until I returned from 
"Washington. My friend met me in Boston and assured me 
that Mr. Balconi would not attempt to detain me at Worcester, 
as he had not intimated any tiling of the kind, though he felt 
dis])leased at my not settling the bill. Had Mr. Balcom said 
to the gentleman, that unless that bill was paid he should de- 
tain me, some arrangement would have been made. But he 
did not^ even intimate any such design. When my friend said 
to him, on the night of my arrival in Worcester : " Mr. Balcom, 
you did not give me to understand you would detain Mr. Wes- 
ton at this time, if the bill was not settled," — the only reply 
Mr. Balcom made, was, that he had made up his mind the 
night before (21st inst.), that the bill had been standing long 
enough, and that he would have it settled before I left Worces- 
ter that night. Suffice it to say, had not some friends (almost 
entire strangers to me) came forward and assisted in adjusting 
the claim, I should have been detained in Worcester as long as 
Mr. Balcom possessed the power to stoj? m.e. 

Edwaed Payson Weston. 

I had not been in Washington many days after my walk 
from Boston, before I became dissatisfied with myself and my 
failure in the undertaking I had attempted ; and more espe- 
cially, as every other person I met, would say to me : " It's too 
bad, that you arrived here only four hours late !" 

It was very annoying to me, as I never have made it a 
practice to undertake the performance of any task and leave 
it half completed. I knew that the walk: was a very difficult 
task, but I knew from experience., that had I not been detained 
upon the route, I could easily have accomplished it. 

Having agreed if I did not succeed at first, I would try it 
again, I made all arrangements to do so, in April last, and de- 
termined upon leaving Washington, April 23d, 1S61, to walk 
back to Boston in " ten consecutive days." As the Southern 
Bebellion broke out about that time, I thought proper to forego 
that task for some future occasion, and to use my pedestrian 



32 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

abilities in serving our government. At the time of the riot in 
Baltimore (19th of April), and when the commnnicatlon be- 
tween Washington and iJaltiniore and the eastern cities was 
interrupted, I prepared to take a 

WALK m DISGUISE TIIEOUGII BALTB[ORE, 

and convey, myself, a mail down to onr soldiers, stationed at 
Annapolis, Md. and Washington, D. C. Messrs Brooks, Bro- 
thers, clothing dealers, corner of Broadway and Broome st., 
New York, furnished me with a disguise, and Mr. G. W. 
White, hatter, 216, Broadway, gave me a hat which made it 
complete, and made me resemble a " Susquehanna Raftsman" 
"on a bender." I took with me 117 letters from Boston and 
New York, designed for the Mass. and N. Y. Regiments, then 
at the seat of war. These lettet's being confined in an enam- 
eled cloth bag, furnished by the Rubber Clothing Co., which 
was sewed into my clothes ; on the evening of the 26th ot 
April, 1861, I proceeded in the cars to Philadelphia, where I 
arrived at 10^ p. m. 

Mr. J. E. Kingsley, of the Howard Hotel, corner of Broad- 
way and Maiden lane, New York, had kindly supplied me with 
a bountiful lunch, and so, without stopping in tlie City of 
Philadelphia, I proceeded on foot a few miles out, on the same 
road I had travelled but a few weeks previous ; when I came 
to a stop, and sat down on the side of the road to eat. It be- 
ing tlien past midnight, there was no one travelling, but I was 
furnished with#a sufficient supply of "music" by the inces- 
sant barking of dogs. I have always been afraid of a dog, es- 
pecially at night, and to avoid these animals on this occasion, 
I would always, when nearing a house where the occupant pos- 
sessed one of these attaches^ get over the fence, and passing at 
the distance of several rods behind the establishment, would 
thereby avoid meeting the animals ; and more than half the 
distance between Philadelphia and Media, Penn. (14 miles), 
that night, I presume I travelled over fields and through woods 
to pass " those confounded dogs," When I arrived at Media, 
shortlv after 1 o'clock on the morning of the 27tli, the Charter 



FROM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 33 

House looked so inviting, that I felt very nnicli inclined to 
enter, and take a snooze. Accordingly I rapped at the door 
several times, but receiving no answer, I took two sticks and 
commenced to beat a " tattoo " upon the door, which soon 
aroused the inmates. Mr. Hawkins came to the door and 
wished to know what I wanted ; I told him a " snooze." He 
opened the door ; when I made myself known, he gave me a 
hearty welcome, and a nice bed to sleep on. I neglected to 
say to him that I did not wish it known I was there ; so when 
I arose at 8 o'clock, I found quite a crowd waiting to see how 
I looked after my " long walhy It was my design to travel 
the same road to Baltimore I had a few weeks previous, and 
to cross the Susquehanna liivcr at Port Deposit. But receiv- 
ing several hints from friends in Media, that I might possibly 
be stopped at Port Deposit by " secesh," I determined to take 
another direction, but did not make known my intentions to 
any one. 

While at Media, I met the family of the Assistant-Secretary 
of the United States Treasury (Mr. George N. Harrington). 
They had arrived at Media the day previous, having travelled 
in a carriage from Baltimore. They gave me letters, which 
they requested me to deliver to Mr. Harrington, and inform 
him of their safe arrival. 

At 2 p. M. on Saturday, I left Media, and after going a few 
miles on the road to Port Deposit, I turned into another road, 
and after travelling a few miles, I came to the junction depot 
of the Philadelphia, Westchester, and Oxford Railroad. Be- 
ing informed that a train would shortly arrive there on its way 
to Oxford, Penn., I decided to get on board and go to Oxford, 
and then crossing over during the night, to reach the Cono- 
wingo Bridge (nine miles above Port Deposit), and cross the 
Susqnehanna River on the following morning. Accordingly, 
when the train arrived, I entered the cars, and soon after be- 
came acquainted with the conductor Mr. A. P. Danfield, and 
one of the directors of the road, a Mr. D. Woolper, residing at 
Chadd's Ford, Delaware Co., Penn. I soon learned from their 
conversation that they both were " true Union men," and, 
therefore, as I heeded some advice, made myself known. They 
3 



Si JOURNAL OF A WALK 

expressed some surprise at seeing me, but that did not deter 
them from sho\ying me every attention. 

Upon arriving at Oxford, Mr. Danfield conveyed me imme- 
diately to his house, where I was introduced to his worthy 
lady. We soon sat down to supper, and I being very hungry, 
never enjoyed a meal more in my life. After supper, Mr. 
Danfield went out to try and obtain a conveyance to carry me a 
few miles on my journey, but was unsuccessful. Though I told 
him I could walk just as well, and was just as much obliged 
to him, he did not seem much inclined to let me go off in that 
way ; but I insisted that he had done cpiite enough for me, and 
more than I had any right to expect, and he concluded to let 
me have ray own way. 

Mrs. Danfield very kindly cared for my " appetite," by fur- 
nishing me with a nice lunch, and a bottle of " ginger-beer." 
Having obtained, as accurately as possible, the route I was to 
take, and bidding my kind friends good-night, at 9 p. m. I left 
Oxford, to travel a road I knew nothing about. But I was 
determined I'd travel till I brought up somewhere. During 
the night I travelled over fields, and through the woods, as I 
had done the night previous. I frequently stopped on the road 
side and partook of the lunch which Mrs. Danfield had pre- 
pared, and I never ate any thing which seemed to do me so 
much good as that lunch. I would only drink a small quan- 
tity of the beer at a time, fearing it might " give out" too 
soon. 

I had traveled about fifteen miles, when I came to the 
junction of two roads. I was puzzled, and did not know 
which road to take here ; and seeing a house a short distance 
oif, I proceeded to it and rapped. Some one (who proved to 
be a woman) inquired from within, " What do you want ?" I 
replied that I wished a drink of water. Says the voice : " Sure, 
an' I'm a lone woman, an' I'm not afther gettin' up to give ye a 
drink o' watherthis time o' night ! Who the divil are ye?" I 
then replied, that I was a lone traveller, and thought I had 
taken the wrong road ; but before I had time to speak further, 
she said, "Perhaps ye have, but you can't come in here." I 
asked her to tell me the road to Peach Bottom, and she an- 



FROM BOSTON TO WASHINGTOX. 35 

swered, " T'other one." Supposing she meant the other road, 
I started on that, l)ut had travelled it only two miles when I 
came " chock up" against a fence. I then retraced my steps, 
and took the other road. I had not gone a great distance be- 
fore I began to feel like sleeping ; and being then, as I sup- 
posed, in the state of Maryland, I did not feel inclined to 
" make any acquaintances." I observed, a few rods from the 
road, in a field, a tree, and I thought I could manufacture 
a bed aiiiong its branches, and be entirely out of sight. Ac- 
cordingly, I proceeded to put my plan into practice ; and ar- 
riving at the foot of the tree, I found a small piece of fence- 
rail. Securing this, I climbed into the tree, and, placing the 
rail across two of the limbs, about ten feet from the ground, 
then sitting upon that, with my back against the trunk, and 
my feet elevated somewhat higher than my head, I was pre- 
pared to take " a comfortable snooze." 

I had slept soundly, as I supposed, about two hours, when, 
probably thinking I was sleeping in a " modern bed," I chanced 
to turn over, and consequently soon found myself precipitated 
below. It woke me ; I needed no second call to get up. I 
had used what lunch I ha,d left for a pillow ; and unfortunate- 
ly, when I fell from the tree, I struck on that. It was not 
quite daylight, and, as it was raining, I thought I would finish 
my nap in under a haystack which stood near. Crawling in 
under one side of the stack, I covered myself with hay, and 
slept nicely until about six o'clock. I then awoke, and not 
being prepared to " make my toilet," I had only to eat my 
somewhat damaged breakfixst, and proceed on my journey. It 
was raining quite hard, and, being very thinly clad, I soon 
became wet through. 

I had proceeded but a short distance, when I was overtaken 
by a farmer. He questioned me as to who I was, where I 
came from, and where I was going, and then said: "iJoy, 
you look quite young to be travelling about here all alone ; 
don't you know it's dangerous, now T' Upon my acknowl- 
edging my ignorance of any thing of the kind, he proceeded 
to inform me that the "d d Yankees" were trying to cre- 
ate a disturbance and have a war, and that it was unsafe for 



JOURNAL OF A WALK 

36 



36 -r 1 

locked up iu Belair Jail. ^^^^^^^^ ,,;, team to 

The farmer walked !>? ™y/ 1^";^ i,;, conversation, that he 
t,,.e, on ahead. I -^ Xt" S\hat it wa, my daty to 
was no friend to t>^« ' ^^ "f""^^ ^ I could. I learned tha 
play a " Yankee tnok ' »P»" ^^^.^^^ ,^,, bridge over wh.eh I 
^e were then about three mde lo ^^ ,^^ ^„^,,ted 

Tntended crossing the ^^^ ,, ;,, going that way 
upon my riding w.t r "^^^ ,„i seated myself in the bot- 
I readily accepted tl^« >""'*;' ;„,;„„, and asked me, among 
tm of lus wago- ^^ ^?tid UmT' ■ Sixteen years," wh.ch 
other questions my age I t"ld ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ,,,^ a Boy 

seemed to satisfy lum on that poi ^ ^ ^^ ,,„,!, 

STetting on toward sprmg, and sbal ,^^^^,y . 

:„' S.y farm-, and as y-J^',: t Larlh of a\itaation), " 
formed him that I was a poor boy .^,„ ^ ^^„^,,,,cd 

tu t know but yo" '1 -\-:\ra,L, " Oau you milk a cow 

\ ^fa^\ t^ it: "^-'v:;T"^'"^^t >'^^^ 

■Te:rw:ntontosay:'..el.^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
««A,andwouldin.etoleans„me^i^^.,^^ ^^^^^_^, 

active ; I guess I'" bue yo^ ' ,,^,t i „ever Uke to 

n.uch wages at Af ' ^^^ fJX for me, and so I'll gtve you 
he hard witb any bodj ** J ^^ „ (Says I to my df • 
,„„,,-/». «»«^<»«t';.,:f in /j/i,:«? «-^bout an hour 
u Wont he have a Jo ly ""\ '' . ^^j, U„aUy. and agreed 
frl now?") But 1 tha"^'f' "'7°' ' „„ «„n« first in Goshen. 
to Us terms but I told him I u;-';;; "^, ,„„t, ueitl>er ; come 

Says he: "No you d-'' ^"n "tben V" ^e ready to com- 
riglt home with me "^'^t . But I insisted, and when I 
^-ence work to-morrow mormn,. ^^^^^^^^ ^ a he 

told him my -"' -::^,Cat his house at five o'clock the 
wouldlctmego,.tIwouia 



FROM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 37 

next morning. I thought we had travelled a long time to go 
six miles, and I then asked him liow near we were to Conowin- 
go bridge. He very coolly informed me about thirteen miles. 
Ixoarrit mad then; perhaps not ! 

When I entered his wagon I was within three miles of the 
bridge, and when I left it I was thirteen miles beyond it. But 
I could mend matters no better way than to walk, so crossing 
fields and through the woods, I soon came upon the banks of the 
Susquehanna, above Port Deposit. It was then raining quite 
hard, and though I was wet through to the skin, after I had de- 
scended to the river, I could not help but stop and looking up 
admire the tall and craggy bluffs above me. I met an innu- 
merable number of raftsmen along the banks, and I soon joined 
one of the crowds who were proceeding toward the bridge some 
seven miles above. I said nothing to no one, but listened to 
their conversation among themselves, and soon learned that a 
large crowd were guarding the Conowingo bridge to prevent 
the Pennsylvania soldiers from crossing the river to Maryland. 
I thought from their description of affairs that it would not be 
policy for me to attempt to cross the river by that bridge, and 
so concluded I would go farther up the river in the hopes of 
finding a boat. I proceeded on eight miles above the bridge, 
and came to the village of Peach Bottom. I waited there until 
dark, and then securing a boat I crossed the river. 

I travelled on some three miles through the woods, and it 
being very dark and not knowing the exact road, I determined 
to turn beggar, and find some benevolent person who would 
lodge me. I came to a house soon after, and asked if they 
would please give a poor traveller a lodging. They asked, 
"Have you got any money?" I said, "No." (For I was like 
the Irishman who said, if steamboats were selling for a penny 
a-piece, he had not money enough to buy a gang-plank.) 
" Then you can't lodge here." I went on, but upon my next 
application, I came across a Quaker, whose name I do not 
remember, says he : " Friend, I do not know thee, but if thee 
behaves thyself, thee shall not want for a bed." I informed 
him that I was on my way to Baltimore to work for a Mr. 
Church, a lumber merchant of that city. He informed me of 



38 JOURNAL OF A WALK 

the troubles tliere, and also told me it was about fifty miles 
from his house to Baltimore. Says he : " It's a pretty long 
walk, but if you could walk as well as the man that walked 
from Boston to Washington, you would not mind it much." 
I expressed my inability to walk so far, and there the conver- 
sation ended. I I'etired and slept soundly until six o'clock 
the next morning, when I arose and proceeded on my journey 
after partaking of a good breakfast. 

From what I had learned concerning Belair, I determined 
to avoid going through that town, and to keep out of sight as 
much as possible, I travelled on in that way some twenty-five 
miles. At last I perceived an elderly Quaker gentleman ap- 
proaching me on horseback, and I thought I could w^tli safety 
question him a little as to my whei'eabouts. He informed me 
that I was then twenty-three miles from Baltimore, and tlu'ee 
miles from the old Harvard road, which would take me into 
the city. '•' But," says he, " friend, I would advise thee to 
keep away from there, as it is in trouble, and the road is 
guarded every mile to prevent soldiers and suspicious-looking 
persons from entering the city." I told him I was going there 
to drive a lumber wagon for Mr. Church ; but he thought I 
would not be allowed to proceed far on my journey. I left 
him, and, following his directions, soon came upon the Harvard 
road. 

I had not proceeded far, before two men stopped me and in- 
quired who I was. I told them I was from Goshen, and was 
going to Baltimore to work for Mr. Church. Says, they : 
" Wiiere 's Goshen ?" Says I : " It 's in Maryland, about fifty 
miles from here." They said they never had heard of any 
Goshen in Maryland. Neither had I, but I knew that I had 
got to make them believe Goshen was in Marjdand, and there- 
fore proceeded in a clumsy way to give them a short lesson in 
Geography. They soon told me I was " a fool," and to go on. 
I then travelled on, meeting quite a number of people, but was 
not disturbed again. "Whenever I heard a wagon approaching 
as I neared Baltimore, I would hide myself by the roadside. 
Just before entering the city I saw a soldier mounted on a 
horse coming toward me. There being no place to hide, I took 



FKOM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 39 

the middle of the road, and, greatly to my relief, perceived that 
he was drunk, and passed by without noticing me in the least. 
I soon reached Baltimore, and seeing a crowd of Irish women 
standing in the street, I asked one of them the way to Ais-qnith 
street ; says she : " Divil an Ais-quith street is there here, you 
must be a Yankee." Quickly correcting myself I said As- 
quith street, and obtaining the desired information, I proceeded 
to the residence of E. J. Church, Esq., and making myself 
known, I was kindly cared for, and soon sat down to an excel- 
lent supper. I arrived there at 9 p. m. The good people 
urged me to stay overnight, but I desired to perform my mis- 
sion as soon as possible, and Mrs. Church having placed in my 
hands a bountiful lunch, in company with a friend of the 
family, at 11 p. m., I left the house. Passing through the city 
at that late hour, I observed a motley crowd on almost every 
corner, and did not feel inclined to make any longer stay in 
Baltimore at that time, although but a few weeks previous I 
had been kindly entertained by a number of the citizens on my 
way east, after having walked to Washington. 

After reaching the outskirts of the city I bid my conq)anion 
good-night, and walking on the railroad track, nothing of im- 
portance occurred until I reached the Relay House, ten miles 
from Baltinioi-e. I had just passed the depot, walking very 
cai-efully, when I came upon a clump of bushes ; thinking I 
heard a noise I sto])ped and listened ; the moon shone a little, 
and I observed only a rod ahead of me a sentry (I could only 
see the bayonet l)y the light of the moon). I stood perfectly 
still for a few moments, and finding that he had not seen me, 
I waited a favorable chance and passed him. I then congrat- 
ulated myself upon being clear; judge my surprise, when I 
had proceeded a few rods fartlier, and came in sight of the 
viaduct bridge at that point, to find two large bonfires, and on 
each side of them two benches, on each bench a man, and on 
each man two "elegant revolvers." There was a picture for 
" impudence " to contemplate ! I had to hang on to my hat, 
for my hair was rising. But at last a spirit of recklessness 
seized me, and creeping cautiously upon my hands and knees 
I gained the bridge, for the valiant guard were botli fast asleep. 



40 JODKNAL OF A WALK 

I was SO much excited that when I reached the opposite end 
of the bi-idge I fell down. But soon picking myself up, I pro- 
ceeded onward eight miles farther, when I was saluted with, 
" Who goes there?" Supposing that I had arrived at Annapo- 
lis Junction, and that the troops were from Massachusetts, I 
answered, "Nevermind j" but was saluted again with " Stand 
and give the countersign." At once knowing my situation, 1 
told the sentry to call the corporal of the gviard. The corpo- 
ral approached me with a revolver in each hand, and escorted 
me to the officers' quarters. 

It proved to be the Sixty-ninth Regiment of New York, Col. 
Michael Corcoran. Capt. Lynch was officer of the night, and 
Lieut. Giles came up to me and inquired who I was. I told 
him that I was the bearer of letters to the Massachusetts and 
New York regiments. I stayed talking w^ith them for an hour 
or two, not dreaming that I was under arrest, or suspected of 
being a spy for the rebels. But such was the fact. "When I 
attempted to proceed on my journey, I was told to wait until 
Lieutenant Colonel Nugent awoke. Col. Corcoran being then 
at Annapolis. 

It was about 3 a. m., Tuesday morning, when I arrived there, 
and at 5 a. m. I was brought before Lieut. Col. Nugent. He 
demanded my business there, and I told him. He then de- 
manded the letters, and I gave them to him. They were all 
directed to members of the diffiirent regiments, with the excep- 
tion of two for the Assistant Secretary of the United States 
Treasury. As soon as my person was searched, Lieut. Col. 
Nugent ordered Capt. Lynch to put me in the guard-house, a 
nasty, iilthy place, about ten feet square, wherein were con- 
fined three or four of their own men. I thought it was an 
elegant place to invite a man into who had walked seventy 
miles in less than twenty-four hours, and who needed at least 
a decent place to sit down in. But I had to " go in and bear 
it." I remained there about two hours, when the assistant 
paymaster of the regiment (whose name I have forgotten), came 
and said he recognized me, having seen me on my way to 
Washington, in February, when passing through Jersey. He 
obtained permission to take me from the filthy guard-house 



FROM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 41 

and give nie the liberty of the oflficers' quarters, and after tlie 
officers had breakfasted, I was invited into their room to eat 
my breakfast. I was then placed on the outside of the officers' 
quarters, and a guard set over me with a strict injunction to 
keep their eye on me. In the meantime I had my eye on a 
barrel of eggs which stood near me, and for the first time in 
my life raw eggs were a luxury. 

About ten o'clock in the forenoon, Colonel Butler (brother 
of Major-General Butler) came from Washington, and spoke 
with me. He had a hearty laugh at my expense, and offiired 
to assist me. I told him I preferred to wait and see the result, 
and he left me. Soon after, Judge J. H. McCunn, of New 
York, who then had charge of the trains running between 
Washington and Annapolis, came and placed me on board the 
cars, intending to take me before General Butler, stationed at 
tliat place ; but the officers of the Sixty-ninth would not give 
him the letters, and so he was obliged to leave me behind till 
Colonel Corcoran should arrive — at the same time charging 
the sergeant of the guard to treat me kindly, as I was " all 
right." My patience had by this time about run out ; and, 
being very irritable, I exclaimed that I was tired of being 
hauled round by an (calling them no flattering name) Irish 
regiment — for which expression I was kindly escorted to the 
aforementioned guard-house, where I was duly installed for 
four hours. I offered every apology, but 'twas no use ; the 
sergeant was inexorable. At last. Adjutant McKeon, of the 
regiment, came and released me for dinner. 

After dinner, I was again placed on the outside of the offi- 
cers' quarters as before, and soon had the pleasure of seeing 
Captain Chapin, then on Governor Sprague's staff, from Ilhode 
Island. Captain Chapin, seeing my uncomfortable situation, 
used his utmost effijrts to gain my release, but without avail. 
At night I laid in under a table in tlie officers'' ({uartei's, cov- 
ered with a cape about half a yard square, which one of the 
surgeons kindly threw over me while I was asleep. 

The following day Colonel Corcoran arrived, and late in the 
afternoon he called all the commissioned officers togetlier in 
his quarters,' and he and the chaplain of the regiment (Father 



42 A WALK FKOM BOSTON TO WASHINGTON. 

Mooiiey) interrogated me closely. Colonel Corcoran said that 
but one of those letters looked suspicious, and that was direct- 
ed to a member of the Cincinnati Zouaves. He opened that 
letter, and read, "My dear son," and then came to the conclu- 
sion 'twas all right ; but thought best to telegraph to J. E. 
Kingsley, Esq., proprietor of the Howard Hotel, New York, 
to see if I was all right. Receiving a satisfactory reply from 
Mr. H. S. Moore, who, in the absence of Mr. Kingsley, had an- 
swered the dispatch, I was released. And when it was known 
who I was. Colonel Corcoran and his officers insisted upon it 
I was their guest^ not prisoner, and I w^anted for nothing to 
make me comfortable. I am much indebted to Adjutant 
McKeon and the assistant paymaster of the regiment, together 
w^itli the surgeon and his assistant, for their kindness toward 
me during my detention. 

As soon as the train for Annapolis came along, I took the 
letters, and Judge McCunn kindly cared for me. Upon our 
arrival at Annapolis, the judge took me to General Butler's 
head-quarters ; and the general, after congratulating me on 
my deliverance, furnished me with a pass, and I proceeded to 
the quarters of the Boston Light Artillery, where I found Offi- 
cer Dawes (witli whom I had become acquainted some weeks 
previous in Boston). Mr. Dawes furnished me with a nice 
supper and a place to sleep ; and the following morning, in 
company with Judge McCunn, I left Annapolis for Washing- 
ton. On the road, the cinders from the locomotive nearly 
burnt my clothes off me ; but, fortunately, I had a change of 
clothing in Washington. 

I arrived in Washington during the afternoon of Thursday 
and, after delivering the letters in my keeping to the various 
parties to whom they were addressed, I went to my old quar- 
ters and changed my clothes. And thus ended my " Walk 

UNDER DIFFICULTIES." 

THE END. 



TO MY FRIEXDS AND THE PUBLIC. 

I HATE many reasons for wishing to attempt to walk from 
"Washington to Boston a second time, and will here explain 
some of them. 

I never have made it a rule to commence any thing and leave 
it " half done." Having once made the attempt to walk such 
a distance and at such a time, and it proving a failure, I deem 
it a bounden duty to " try it again ; " inasmuch, as some persons 
have intimated that I could have made up the lost time, if I had 
not been hired to do otherwise, or in other words, it was policy 
for me to arrive in Washington too late to gain the wager. To 
such I have nothing to say, I consider them beneath a man's 
notice. For there are those who know my late arrival ir, 
Washington proved not only a serious loss to myself, but 
placed me and one of my companions in a very mortifying 
position. Having met so many creditors on the route, and 
given orders on the parties for whom my companions had 
distributed circulars, I was entirely destitute of funds upon 
my arrival in Washington. I was obliged to remain there 
three weeks, and could not then have proceeded east, had not 
Mr. Coleman, proprietor of the Eutaw House in Baltimore, fur- 
nished me with a loan sufficient to pay my expenses home; 
also, Mr. J. E. Kingsley, of the Howard Hotel, I^ew York, 
although then a stranger to me, learning my circumstances, 
generously extended an iuvitati^^n for me to remain at his house, 
until I could extricate myself from the difficulties l)y which I 
was then surrounded. This I think is convincing proof, that 
my arriving late in Washington did not enrich nie ^' m.uchP 

Some may think my " time-table," which allows me only 
seven days' time to travel 478 miles, incredible. But having 
walked in the month of February, '•' eighty Tniles in twenty 
hours,^^ and over roads then in the worst condition, and 510 
miles in " ten consecutive days"'' a few weeks later ; I have no 
fears of a failure, or of meeting with any obstacles to prevent 



44 TIME-TABLE. 

my keeping pace with the time-table of my intended walk in 
May. 

Another important reason for my exercising my walking abili- 
ties is, by so doing, I shall be able to '''■ ^ay ')ny debts,^'' and to 
repay those who have been friends to me when I most needed 
assistance. I cannot close this without saying one word with 
regard to my companions, Mr. Chas. H. Foster and Mr. Abner 
A. Smith, who took care of me on my walk from Boston to 
Washington. They did for me every thing in their power, and I 
wanted for nothing they could add, to make me comfortable. 
None but those who have been similarly situated, can form a cor- 
rect idea of what they had to endure. Watching me constantly 
night and day (and when travelling, they rode in a narrow con- 
tracted carriage) ; anticipating my every want, I had nothing 
to do but to " Walk." Had I been an own brother to them, 
I could not have received kinder attention. My future actions 
will, I think, speak louder than words. 

Very respectfully, 

Edwakd Payson Weston. 

New York, Zlst March, 1862. 



TIME-TABLE. 

In my attempt to walk from Washington, D. C, to Boston, 
Mass., in " eight consecutive days,'''' I shall endeavor to make 
use of the subjoined " time-table," and I think from what ex- 
perience has already taught me, that I can accomplish the feat, 
as I have no fears of again being detained by " creditors." 
I shall be accompanied by four gentlemen who will act as wit- 
nesses, they will he my companions the entire distance, and will 
on my arrival in Philadelphia and Boston, certify under oath, 
as to my performance of the task. They will ride in a carriage, 
drawn by two horses, and keep behind me a short distance at 
all times when on the road. 

One carriage will be used the entire distance, changing hoises 
and driver eight times. 



TEME-TABLE. 45 

LEAYING CAPITOL AT WASHINGTON, MONDAY, 

MAY lOth, 1862, at 5 p. m. 

TUESDAY, May 20th, 1862, Dis. from Wasliingtou. 

Arrive at Baltimore (Eutaw House), at 3 a.m., . 40 miles. 

It is my intention at this point of my journey to make an 
attempt to perform that, wliieli some may think impossible, 
viz. : to walk from the Eutaw House, Baltimore, to the Conti- 
nental Hotel, Philadelphia, crossing the Susquehanna Kiver 
at the Conowingo Bridge, thereby walking the entire distance, 
one hundred and three 7niles (including all stops), in ''''twenty- 
four consecutive hoursT I think I can accomplish what I 
undertake, " l)ut it remains to he, provedP I shall leave Balti- 
more at 12 M., on Tuesday, and proceed by the following route 
from Baltimore to Philadelphia : 

Baltimore to Conowingo Bridge (38 miles) — (crossing Sus- 
quehanna River at that place) ; Conowingo via Bock Springs 
and Kirk's Bridge to Oxford (IT miles) ; Oxford via Ilazeville, 
Russelville, White Horse Tavern, Taggart's Cross-Boads, Par- 
kersville, Darlington's Corner, and thence by the Street Road 
to Philadelphia (48 miles). 

Provided I am successful in the above '■'' test of marC s powers 
of end.urance^'' I shall then continue my travelling as follows: 

WEDNESDAY, May 21st, 1862, Dis. from "Washington. 

Arrive at Philadelphia (Continental Hotel), 

at 12 M., . . . . .143 miles. 

THURSDAY, May 22d, 1862, Dis. from Washington. 

Arrive at Bristol (Earley's R. R. Hotel), at 

7 A.M., .... 168 miles. 

" Trenton (Amer. Hotel), at 11 a. m., 179 " 

" Residence of C. Shann, Esq., at 

3 p. m., . . . . 195 " 

" New Brunswick (Williams' Hotel), 

at 6 p. M., . . .205 " 

" Elizabeth, at 12 p. m. (retire), . 225 " 

FRIDAY, May 23d, 1862, Dis. from Washington. 

Arrive at Newark, at 7-^ a. m., . . 231 miles. 

" • New York ( Howard Hotel), at 

10 a. m., . . .241 " 



. 302 


miles 


. 311 


a 


. 320 


a 


. 356 


u 



46 TIME-TABLE. 

FRIDAY, May 23d, 18G2. Dis. from Washington. 

Arrive at Kew Eoclielle (Slbery's Hotel), at 

3|- p. M., . . . 259 miles. 

" Stamford (Stamford House), at 

8 p. M., . . . . 279 " 

« JS'orwalk (Conn. Hotel), at 10^ p. m. 

(retire), . . . . 288 " 

SATURDAY, May 24th, 1862, Dis. from Washington. 

Arrive at Bridgeport ( Sterling House ), at 

9^ A. M., 

" Milford, at 12 m., . 

" Kew Haven, at 2 p. m., 

" Hartford (Allyn House), at 12 p. m. 

(retire), 

Having made a promise to my " mother," that when I again 
attempted to walk from Washington to Boston, / would not 
use the Sabbath in the performance of my task ; I feel that 
out of respect to her wishes, it is my duty to keep that pro- 
raise, and therefore, under no circumstances whatever will I 
continue my journey hetween the hours of twelve, Saturday 
night, and twelve o'' clock, Sunday night. 

MONDAY, May 26tli 1862. Dis. from Washington. 

Leaving Hartford at 12^ a. m. : 

Arrive at Palmer (Antique House), at 12 m., 396 miles. 

" South Brooklield, at 5^ p. m., . 416 " 

'' Worcester, at 11^ p. m. (retire), . 436 " 

TUESDAY May 27th, 1862, Dis. from Wasliington 

Arrive at Framingham (Bolles' Hotel), at 

11 A. M., . . .457 miles. 

" BOSTON CUSTOM HOUSE, at 

5 p. M., . . . . 478 " 

I shall lodlk the entire distance (save crossing the Ferry be- 
tween Jersey City and New York), inside of eight consecutive 

days. 

Edwakd Payson Weston. 



MEMOIR. 

Edward Patson Weston was born in the City of Provi- 
dence, R. I., March 15th, 1839. AVhen he was ten j^ears of 
age, his father became afflicted witli the California gold fever, 
and left him and three other children with their mother, to go 
to the modern El Dorado. During the winter of 1849 the 
Hntchinson Family visited Providence, and young "Weston 
nrged his mother to allow him to accompany them on their 
travels. His mother being in feeble health, thought they 
wonld be good guardians for him, and gave her consent. He 
travelled with them for a year, selling candies and song-books 
at their concerts. Afterward, he resided with one of the 
brothers (Jesse Hutchinson), at High Rock, Lynn, Mass. In 
the year 1851, he attended the Adams School at Boston, Mass., 
for six months, paying his board by selling candies at Ordway 
Hall, during each secular evening ; Mr. John P. Ordway (then 
the proprietor) giving him permission to do so. In the summer 
of 1852, his father returning home, young Weston did like- 
wise, and attended school for a short time. In 1853, he pub- 
lished a pamphlet, descriptive of his father's travels in Cali- 
fornia, and was very successful in selling it in the principal 
cities. During a portion of this time, he acted as news-boy 
on the Boston, Providence, and Stonington Railroad. In the 
year 1854, lie occupied a similar position on the steamer Em- 
pire State, running between New York and Fall River, Mass. 
His father not permitting him to remain there, he soon re- 
turned to Providence, and became a clerk for a merchant in 
that city. He remained there six months, when his father ob- 
tained a situation fur him, to act as an apprentice to a jeweler 
in Providence. He worked hard to learn a trade he never 
liked, but finding too many branches to it {saw'tny wood, etc.), 
and no pau, lie soon retired from the business. In the winter 
of 1855, he published another pamphlet, descriptive of his 
father's travels in the Western Islands. It did not prove suc- 
cessful, and he again began to lead a roving life. He became 
discouraged, and in the spring of 1856, attached himself to a 



48 MEMOIK. 

Circus Company, and travelled with them, under an assumed 
name, a part of the summer. In June of that year, while 
riding on one of the wagons belonging to the Circus, and when 
near Tyngsboro', Mass., he was alFected by a stroke of light- 
ning, and came near losing his life. A few days later, he re- 
fused to appear with the company in Boston, and consequently 
was discharged. Being destitute, and too proud to visit his 
relatives, in such a condition, and seeing Spalding & Rogers' 
Circus advertised to appear in Quebec, Canada, he obtained a 
pass, and upon arriving at Quebec, fortunately found they were 
in want of a drummer. 

The celebrted bugler, the la.te Edward Kendall, knowing 
young "Weston's condition, kindly assisted him, and though he 
knew nothing about a drum, Mr. Kendall, and his son George, 
proceeded to teach him, and in a short time he made a satis- 
factory " drummer." Mr. Kendall cared for him as if he had 
been his own son, and young Weston travelled through the 
Canadas and the Western States, with Spalding & Rogers' 
Company. The Company separating in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
young Weston returned to New York in the winter of 1856, 
with renewed ambition, and with brighter prospects in view 
than when he left that city but a few months previous. He 
then became engaged in the book business, and has followed 
it most of the time since. 

In the year 1859, he published a book, written by his mother, 
entitled, ^^Kate Felton; or, a Peep at Realities^'' which met with 
a prosperous sale, until the failure of parties in Boston, in Jan- 
uary, 1861, took it from his hands. He hopes soon to enter a 
more laudable business than pedestrianism ; but as his heels 
are the only things which he has to rely upon at present, he 
considers it his duty to allow them to serve him, when all else 
fail. 

In testing man's powers of endurance, he enters into no 
training whatever, but eats plain food, and abstains from drink- 
ing any stimulating liquors. He never becomes " leg weary 
or foot sore," but sometimes may be considered ^'■very sleepy.''^ 
He measures 34 inches around his chest, and 26^ inches around 
his waist. His weight is 130 pounds. 



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